(L-R) Captain pilot Josh Brewster, flight nurse Stuart Grant, flight paramedic Dave Allison, captain pilot Mike Janke. (Submitted photo/STARS/Lyle Aspinall)

By Glenn Hicks

flying fundraiser

STARS radiothon flies high with $340,000 raised via airwaves

Apr 22, 2021 | 6:19 PM

A grand total of $340,000 has been raised across Saskatchewan in the Critical Care on the Air Radiothon fundraiser.

The two-day broadcast special, which signed off the air at 6 p.m. today, involved almost 30 radio stations, including those of Pattison Media, and was aimed at generating funds for STARS Air Ambulance, the non-profit organization that flew almost a thousand lifesaving missions last year in Saskatchewan alone.

STARS operates on a community-partnered model that consists of government funding, community fundraising and individual donations. The yearly operational cost of one base is $10.5 million.

STARS provides critical care to those that work, play, visit, and live in Saskatchewan and across the prairies.(Submitted photo/STARS)

Jeri-Lynn Johnston, donor relation and development director at STARS Foundation said they were overwhelmed by the generosity of everyone involved the last two days.

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“A special shout out to our Very Important Patients (VIPs), our volunteers and everyone who was listening and donating. The money raised will make a huge difference in ensuring STARS remains available 24/7,” she said.

That money will go to helping people in need by purchasing items like cardiac monitors for their helicopters which, she explained, are basically flying intensive care units.

In noting STARS was built by the community for the community, Johnston added local pop-up fundraisers and challenges had also played a role thanks to service clubs and industry groups.

The airwaves were filled with extraordinary stories—some from new donors—who told of how they or their loved ones have been impacted by STARS and been given a second chance at life thanks to the service.

“Your support rides along with us on every mission,” Johnston said, while thanking everyone who has helped keep the fight in flight.

The fundraising efforts were helped by the power of quality local radio stations who promoted the key messaging throughout Wednesday and Thursday and leading up to the special broadcasts.

“STARS is a service you hope you never need but you wouldn’t want to be without if that need arose,” said Danny Kid, Program Director with Pattison Media in Prince Albert. “We’re honoured to not only tell the story of, but help raise much-needed funds for, STARS. We are completely blown away by the community’s generosity.”

The on-air special, presented by GMS Health and Travel Insurance, ran Wednesday and Thursday throughout the day and was heard on Pattison Media radio stations in Prince Albert, Battlefords, Meadow Lake and Melfort.

Every time the hashtag #STARScareontheair was used, sponsor Stride Management donated $100 up to $10,000.

Donations can still be made by clicking here.

–

glenn.hicks@pattisonmedia.com

Twitter: @princealbertnow